BCCI ethics officer clears Sourav Ganguly of conflict of interest
Newly elected Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly, who was served a conflict of interest notice, has been cleared of the charges by BCCI ethics officer Justice (retd.) DK Jain. While the current norms don't allow an individual in the BCCI for multiple roles, Ganguly had duly resigned from his previous post, following his appointment for the current role.
Ganguly was served COI notice on October 4
It was on October 4, when Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta has lodged an official complaint against Ganguly, claiming that the then Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president held multiple posts. Consequently, Ganguly was served the notice, prior to his appointment as the BCCI President. However, upon his appointment, he quit as the CAB president.
There is no current COI on Ganguly's part, says Jain
"In my view, in the light of the noted development, the issue of whether there is any "Conflict of Interest" on the part of Mr. Ganguly does not survive for the consideration of the Ethics Officer. Resultantly, the present complaint is rendered infructuous and is disposed of, as such," said Jain in an order, reports PTI.
BCCI facing a number of COI issues of late
The BCCI has been at the receiving end when it comes to COI, as there have been a number of individuals within the board, who have been slapped with such charges. It was the same, which forced former Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chairman, Kapil Dev, to resign from the post. Also, current National Cricket Academy (NCA) director, Rahul Dravid, was charged for the same.
Dravid cleared of COI charges as well
Meanwhile, Dravid too was cleared of the charges last week, after Gupta had filed a similar complaint, stating that the former was also holding the position of vice-president of India Cements Pvt. Ltd, owners of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, Jain dismissed the conflict, claiming that the complaint registered was "bereft of merit".
Dravid employed with India Cements, not CSK in any cause
"He (Dravid) has asserted that his employment with India Cements Limited, is not and cannot be construed as an employment with the CSK franchisee, regardless of any relationship between the two entities, viz India Cements Limited and Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.," the order read.
